DC prepares for summer filled with major events
'We are proud to be a city that brings people together, and when it comes to hosting major events, no one does it quite like Washington, DC,' said Mayor Muriel Bowser.
The summer lineup includes events such as World Pride 2025 from May 17 to June 8.
DC bars allowed to be open 24 hours for WorldPride, FIFA matches
'It's a time we all must remain visible, stand up, show up,' said Ryan Bos, Executive Director of the Capital Pride Alliance.
Bos said the District has already held its Trans Pride and Black Pride events.
This weekend will mark the welcome ceremony and concert at Nationals Park, featuring Shakira. Next weekend is the Pride Parade.
'World Pride and Pride in general is universal. It's about having a safe space regardless of how we identify. To be there and be our authentic self,' he said.
Police Chief Pamela Smith said her team has been planning for World Pride for about a year.
At this point, she said there is no known credible threat.
'MPD will have an increased presence citywide,' said the Chief. 'We will activate our specialized units, and we will supplement our department with officers from our neighboring jurisdictions. These officers will assist with crowd management, traffic control, and maintaining a strong public safety presence throughout the duration of the festivities.'
Her team will continue to monitor intelligence and adjust as needed.
WMATA is also making adjustments for World Pride.
Metro will run until 2 a.m. June 6th through June 8th, with the yellow line extended to Greenbelt. Tap-to-go also launched this week, allowing customers to pay their fare by tapping their credit or debit card.
Other major upcoming events include the annual Fourth of July celebration, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the 250th Army Parade, set for June 14th.
'The Army 250 and the display of equipment and history of the army may be pretty spectacular,' said Bowser.
Bowser said planning information from the District is limited at this time, as the event is a designated National Special Security Event, meaning the US Secret Service takes the lead on planning security.
However, she did note the NTSB alerted her and her team that there could be disruptions to the airspace that weekend.
As with all major events, Bowser reminds people that if they see something, say something.
'Something that doesn't feel right, doesn't look right, doesn't sound right to you,' she said,
For more information on World Pride, text DC World Pride to 888-777.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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